toilet pad training

[pony&cow]

I made the decision to train my puppy (had for 1 week) to use a toilet pad (disposable baby changing mat) as a toilet. My reason for this was that we dont really have a garden, the door just leads straight onto the farm. We have chickens, cats and neighbours dogs running riot and didnt want our pup mixing with all of that until she is fully vaccinated. My thought process was to toilet pad train my pup until she can go outside then ecourage and praise toileting outside yet still leave a pad down and allow that to be a toilet also. Will this work as she will be outside with us most of the time anyway. I just thought if we are ever out for a long day she hasnt got to hold herself which is an awful thought for me when im out.

Is this likely to be confusing for her or will she get the hang of it?

 

[pony&cow]

....Ps this is my first doggy post on here so please be nice ; )

 

[Morag4]

I personally have found puppy's can find this confusing, providing puppy has had all her vacs I would just go for toileting outside however if vacs aren't upto date and as there are neighbours dogs running around I would allow a pad till vacs are done then not use them hooefully less confusing in the sort term.

 

[s4sugar]

I Have never used pads as newspaper in a tray works as well and is cheap!
Once you have teh clear to go out you can add a second tray outside.
TBH it is easier to build a puppy pen just outside the door so the pup can get out to "go" in safety from the start. Saves retraining.

 

[debsandpets]

The only thing with training them to use a pad is that you will end up having to train the dog twice - and then you will also have o discourage the dog from toileting in the house when it is no longer appropriate to do so - more hassle than it is worth IMO
The idea of a puppy pen outside the door is a much better idea, and then only one lot of training required

 

[Lunchbox legend]

I have a puppy who has been trained using puppy pads but I also built him a little fenced off area with some artificial grass just outside the door as it leads onto a shared courtyard.

I didn't feel that I was having to train twice, though. When he was too little to hold it until I could get the door open, he went on his mat, which was right by the door. Bit by bit, he managed to hold it until he could get outside (sometimes he asks to go out and I don't quite register it straight away). We have just the rarest of accidents now but it's ok as it's on the mat.

For us it's meant that toilet training can be relaxed and come naturally and we don't have to make a big deal of anything that happens. I also keep a loo roll and some Dettol spray nearby so I can pick up poo and spray straight away. He likes to watch his poo being flushed down the loo . Funny dog...